Volunteers are needed to rebuild one of South Maui’s last remaining Native Hawaiian fishponds.

Are you looking for a way to give back to Maui and enjoy a Hawaiian cultural experience at the same time? ‘Ao‘ao O Na Loko I‘a O Maui (Association of the Fishponds of Maui) will host another community workday to help restore Ko‘ie‘ie Fishpond in Kihei on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 8 to 11 a.m.

Ko‘ie‘ie Fishpond, one of the last remaining Native Hawaiian fishponds along South Maui’s coastline, is by far the most intact along these shores. This cultural treasure was built more than 500 years ago by Native Hawaiians, and has weathered many natural disasters. However, due to neglect, the wall has slowly crumbled over time.

Participants will be asked to help dig up rocks and boulders that are submerged and buried in the ocean to use in the fishpond’s wall. Volunteers 15 and older who are able to comfortably lift at least 25 pounds, are welcome to participate. Space is limited to 20 people and reservations are required.

‘Ao‘ao O Na Loko I‘a O Maui works with Maui’s communities and recruits volunteers to help with the restoration of the fishpond’s wall. In addition, the association educates students and the public regularly about the host culture and fishponds. The organization’s staff and volunteers will be onsite to give background information about Ko‘ie‘ie Fishpond and the restoration project, will review safety procedures and work side-by-side with the day’s participants.

To sign up for the community workday, contact Executive Director Joylynn Paman at 359-1172, or email koieie@mauifishpond.com. For more information about the restoration of Ko‘ie‘ie Fishpond and ‘Ao‘ao O Na Loko I‘a O Maui, visit www.mauifishpond.com.